Chandigarh: Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday reviewed the progress of the nuclear power project being implemented by NPCIL under the Department of Atomic Energy in Haryana’s Fatehabad district.
Khattar, along with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, visited the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) and reviewed the progress of north India’s first nuclear power plant.
Once completed, 50 per cent of the electricity generated will be allocated to Haryana.
Khattar appreciated the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)’s efforts and reiterated the importance of nuclear power in achieving clean, safe, and reliable energy for the nation’s future.
Senior government officials were also present at the event.
The project involves setting up 4×700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at a total project cost of Rs 41,594 crore.
The commercial operation is expected to start by March 2031.
“This ambitious project will not only meet the long-term energy needs of Haryana and North India but will also further strengthen India’s commitment towards clean and sustainable energy solutions,” Khattar said in a post on X in Hindi.
The minister said projects like GHAVP will play a vital role in helping India achieve its net zero emission target by 2070.
“This project is a visionary step towards making India a leader in the field of nuclear energy technology and ensuring energy self-sufficiency under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Khattar said.
Speaking to the media later, Khattar said that the unit one and two are now expected to be operational by 2031.
“By 2031, two power units will become operational and in 2032, two more power plants will become operational. These four units will produce 2,800 MW power, out of which Haryana will get 50 per cent of the power and 50 per cent will go to the central pool so that it can be used wherever needed,” Khattar said.
Khattar said, “In January 2014, the project was given clearance. Generally, the time period given for setting up nuclear power plants is thirteen to thirteen-and-a-half years, but I was told that there have been some reasons for delay, which include technical and administrative reasons”.
Khattar was also asked about his recent statement that the government is working on a framework to standardise the default temperatures of air conditioners in the range of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius.
He said many feel consumers will benefit from the move and it will also result in power saving and uninterrupted and reliable power supply. Saving power is necessary.
Last year’s peak power demand was 250 gigawatt and we have touched 242 gigawatt till yesterday.
Meanwhile, Khattar was apprised by the officials of NPCIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Nearly Rs 80 crore has been spent on community development activities like the construction of roads, and schools, provision of medical vans, and development of an astro turf hockey ground, an official statement said.
“Atom on Wheels” mobile exhibition van was highlighted as a key outreach initiative to educate and engage the public on nuclear energy and safety.
